The newly-established Khalifa University of Science and Technology combines the Masdar Institute
of Science and Technology (MI), Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research
(KUSTAR), and the Petroleum Institute (PI) into one world-class, research-intensive institution,
seamlessly integrating research and education to produce world leaders and critical thinkers in
applied science and engineering.

The Masdar Institute of Science Technology and Petroleum Institute remain as research institutes
at Khalifa University, playing a critical role in the research structure and culture of the university
and serving as interdisciplinary research units focused on long-term strategic priorities.

Research is at the core of KU, as we know research has the power to transform industry, society
and regions KU’s research-focused academics seek to achieve global impact through excellence
in research domains of regional importance.

M.Sc. In Material Science and Engineering

M.Sc. In Material Science and Engineering

The degree of Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (M.Sc. in MSEN) is awarded for successfully completing the requirements of a program of study, which includes taught courses as well as thesis. The thesis is an independent investigation of specialized areas within the general field of materials science and engineering and associated disciplines. The M.Sc. degree gives candidates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the broad field of MSEN and contribute to the process of discovery and knowledge creation through the conduct of original research. Candidates for this degree are taught and supervised by experienced faculty and are expected to demonstrate initiative in their approach and innovation in their work. In addition to successfully completing the taught course component of the program, candidates prepare and present a thesis on their chosen area. Research may be undertaken in several topics corresponding to the areas of focus identified by the University.

The M.Sc. in MSEN Program Goals (objectives) aims to produce graduate students with the disciplinary preparation that meets the following goals:

1) An ability to identify and address current and future needs in various aspects of materials and devices (both active and passive) for all sorts of applications towards a sustainable and improved human well-being.

2) An ability to apply a multi-disciplinary approach to conceive, plan, design, and implement innovations and solutions to problems and challenges that involve materials and their properties and applications.

3) An understanding of the potential impact of materials based technologies and innovations on the social, economic, environmental aspects.

4) An understanding of the value of intellectual approach, technical scholarship, service to society, leadership, best practice, and life-long learning.

2) Successfully apply advanced concepts of materials engineering to the analysis, design and development of materials, devices, systems, and processes to meet desired needs of society professionally and ethically.

3) Use an advanced approach to design and conduct experiments in the area of materials and/or devices and to analyze and interpret data.

4) Be continuously aware of contemporary issues and research opportunities/challenges in the field of materials engineering as related to energy and sustainability and engage in life-long learning in the field and in the fundamentals of other related disciplines.

5) Use advanced materials characterization techniques, skills, and modern scientific and engineering tools.

6) Communicate effectively in written and oral form, both, individually and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

In addition to the above, students choosing the concentration in Space Systems and Technology are also expected to attain the following concentration specific outcomes:

7) Demonstrate proficiency in the aspects of space systems design and analysis.

8) Design and build a small-satellite as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.

The M.Sc. in Material Science and Engineering (MSEN) program consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours. The required program credits are distributed as follows: 12 credits of Program Core courses, 12 credits of Technical Elective courses, and 12 credits of MSEN Master’s Thesis work. Technical electives are selected from a specified list and any electives from outside the program require prior approval by the Program Chair and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. Students should register for a minimum of 12 thesis credit hours. The table below presents a summary of the M.Sc. in MSEN degree program structure and requirements. All the M.Sc. in MSEN program courses, with the exception of the Seminar in Research Methods and the Master’s Thesis, have a credit rating of three credits each.

Summary of M.Sc. in MSEN Degree Program Structure and Requirements

M.Sc. Course Requirements

Credits Required

Program Core

12

Program Electives

12

Seminar in Research Methods

0

M.Sc. Thesis

12

Total

36

Program Requirements

Students seeking the degree of M.Sc. in MSEN must successfully complete a minimum of 36 credited hours as specified in the categories detailed in this section, with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0.

Program Core

The M.Sc. in MSEN degree program core requires a minimum of 12 credits, consisting 12 credits of MSEN core courses, and the research seminar course which has a zero credit rating. The courses are specified below.

The student can select one of the following courses to be considered as a core course while the other, if taken, will be considered as an elective course:

– MSEN 621 Mechanical Properties of Materials, or

– MSEN 624 Thermal Properties of Materials

Program Electives

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits of electives. The list of electives the student can select from includes courses not used to meet the core requirement as well as those listed below. Electives from outside the program require prior approval by the Program Chair and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The four elective courses will be selected by the student in consultation with his/her thesis advisor.

A student must complete a master’s thesis that involves creative, research-oriented work within the broad field of MSEN, under the direct supervision of at least one faculty advisor. The research findings must be documented in a formal thesis and defended successfully in a viva voce examination.

Concentration in Space Systems and Technology:

The concentration will be reflected on students’ diploma and in the official transcript. The objective of this program is to foster the advanced research areas in space science and technology for the development of the UAE national space program and provide the space industry with human resources and infrastructure. In addition to the course requirements listed under the Space concentration technical elective courses, students’ thesis must include challenges and scientific research opportunities in space science and technology as well as relevancy to designing, building, and testing a small satellite.

Study Plan

A typical degree plan for the M.Sc. in MSEN program is shown in the table below. The student is expected to select the courses in consultation with her/his academic advisor.